MVSU SEES 8 PERCENT ENROLLMENT INCREASEMississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has experienced an enrollment increase for its third consecutive year. MVSU’s unduplicated number of 2,502 shows an increase of 193 students. The improvement shows a growth of 8% over last year’s enrollment.“MVSU is very pleased with our 8% enrollment increase this academic year,” said Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., MVSU president. “A lot of great work has been and continues to be done by students, faculty, staff and University stakeholders to heighten the visibility of the University, enhance our brand and promote the great things that are happening on campus, and for that I am extremely appreciative. I’m excited because I can see visible and tangible signs each and every day of us moving closer to our “One Goal - One Team - One Valley” vision. Our internal and external constituencies are seeing the true value of a strong Valley, not only for the Delta, but also for the state of Mississippi and beyond.”Bynum further attributes the success to an improved enrollment management model that

includes a focus on retention, academic program development and career enhancement rather than solely on recruitment and admissions. “The model should be focused on retention and student return on investment, as it is far more cost effective and less expensive to retain a current student than recruit a new one,” said Bynum. “Enrollment management involves

everyone at the University and key stakeholders and not just the admissions office staff.”Over the past three years, MVSU has continued to invest in improving its internal and external image through transparency, enhancing and improving programs and community partnerships. “We have prioritized our efforts with “Students First” being our mantra and purpose,” Bynum said. Valley has added key, attractive undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University has significantly

enhanced our retention efforts through University College programming and overall academic and student life support. “The Valley is on the move and I strongly encourage prospective students and employers to take a closer look at the great things that are happening on the MVSU campus.”

HONDA BATTLE OF THE BANDS RETURNS TO CELEBRATE 15TH ANNIVERSARY

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 3, 2016 – Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) is back and gearing up for its 15th annual Invitational Showcase that will be held on January 28, 2017 to spotlight the premier marching bands from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). As one of the final events held at the Georgia Dome before the stadium closes its doors forever, HBOB will give eight bands the opportunity to display

their showmanship on the Dome’s field one last time.Beginning today, fans can go online and vote daily to help secure a spot for their favorite HBCU bands to “March On” in Atlanta. Voting ends on October 28, 2016 at midnight Eastern. Go to HondaBattleoftheBands.com for voting and use hashtags #HBOB #MVSU #MGMM. Each person can vote for us up to 6 times a day!This year’s theme – “Celebrate the History, Create the Future” – encourages HBOB participants and fans to reflect on the amazing history of the program and the role HBCUs have played throughout the years in defining

Polls now open – Vote for MVSU today

A Publication of Mississippi Valley State University for Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends | October 14, 2016 Vol. 13 Edition 9

See “Battle” page 4

MVSU MOCK TRIAL TEAM COMPETES IN JACKSON JOUST AT MILLSAPS COLLEGETwo Mississippi Valley State University Mock Trial Teams competed in the Jackson Joust Mock Trial Tournament at Millsaps College. This year’s case is an age discrimination case, and teams must represent both the plaintiff and the defendant.

This was the first competition of the year and involved many first time participants. There was a two round tournament involving teams from Millsaps College, University of Louisiana -Monroe, Mississippi College and Mississippi University for Women. The teams performed well and several Valley participants were ranked as either Attorneys or Witnesses on Judges’ ballots. Attorneys’ receiving rankings included Kenya Jones, Kierre Swims and Janie Warren. Kenya Jones received a ranking as one of the top attorneys on all four ballots for the competition. Witnesses ranked on judges ballots included Barbara Duncan, Austin Gray, Jasmine Murphy and Amber Robinson.

Other members for MVSU included Timothy Coleman, Alexxus Ervins, Tiwana Frazier, Khaliah Luckett, Zycreuna Merrill, Kambreca Mitchell, Kyra Myrick, Jakaiyla Proctor, Derry Skinner, and Laquita White.

Mock trial requires students to perform as attorneys and witnesses competing against teams from around the country. The tournaments are sponsored by the American

MVSU GRADUATE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SORT PROGRAMMississippi Valley State University graduate students Tajeve Wright-Young and Grace Ikenga recently participated in the 2016 Summer Obesity Research Training (SORT) program at Jackson State University.

Wright-Young and Ikenga, bioinformatics and environmental health graduate students, respectively, participated in a five-day program June 20-24 hosted by JSU’s Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities (CEMHD). The intensive program focused on increasing scholars’ overall quality of research and knowledge about academic research.

The week’s activities included presentations from renowned scholars from the CEMHD, the Jackson Heart Study, JSU’s Public Policy and Administration program and a Xavier University health disparities scholar.

In addition, there were specific trainings on research skills and project development,

introduction of basic statistical concepts, analytical methods and research designs. Students had the opportunity to explore the Jackson Heart Study data, protocols of requesting Heart Study data information about studies conducted using the data.

Wright-Young and Ikenga are among six MVSU graduate students who have participated in SORT programs for the last three years. MVSU faculty Dr. Rochelle Cobbs, Dr. Sherill V. C. Morris-Francis, and

Kanika Collins Sharp have been scholars in the Health Disparities Research Training program since 2015.

“It is a great accomplishment for our graduate students and our faculty to be accepted to the program and good news for our university as we try to build research capacity to address public health problems facing the Mississippi Delta,” said Dr. Richard Mushi, associate professor and chair of the MVSU Department of Social Sciences. Mushi is the MVSU liaison for the CEMHD Research Training and Education Core.

Established in 2003, the CEMHD is funded by the National Institute of Health/National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIH/NIMHD). The CEMHD’s SORT program annually accepts graduate students enrolled in masters and doctoral programs at MVSU, JSU and Alcorn State University.

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QUEEN’S TEAHosted by Miss Symone Daniels MISS MVSU 2016 - 2017 Jacob Aron Student Center - Royal Room

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KING’S SMOKERHosted by Mr. Theodore Johnson III Mr. MVSU 2016-2017 Jacob Aron Student Center - Conference Room

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VALLEY MADNESS BASKETBALL GAME

HOMECOMING KICK-OFF BONFIRE

HOMECOMING COMEDY SHOW

PRESIDENT’S ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION

GREEK PLOTS & RESIDENCE HALLS DECORATING JUDGING

HBCU: RACE & UNITY TOWN HALL MEETING

OFFICE DECORATING CONTEST JUDGING

SGA RAVE PARTY

SGA CAMPUS CARNIVAL

5TH ANNUAL BREAST CANCER WALK

CORONATION OF MISS & MR. MVSU 2016- 2017

GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT

HONORING OUR ROYAL PRINCES & PRINCESSES

ANNUAL FIRST LADY’S SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

Meet the “Delta Devils” and “Devilettes”

Do not let the heat deter you from having fun for this interaction begins the week and will warm your bun. Come, chill, and socialize with your fellow peers as the bonfire will give you a warm atmosphere of comfort and social networking opportunities. The excitement is about to start soon with this event under the moon!

Host: Mr. Lav Luv • Headliner: Ms. B. Phlat

Ticket Price: $10.00

The purpose of the competition is to increase school spirit and giving the campus a friendly competitive atmosphere. When the alumni tour campus during homecoming week they can see the legacy of valley pride they left behind has not been lost.

Come out and meet the 2016 – 2017 Student Government Association while enjoying all the sights and sounds of a carnival! Join us for an evening of fun with carnival games, dunk tanks, carnival snacks and more! This event is sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Miss Symone Daniels, Miss MVSU; Mr. Theodore Johnson, III, Mr. MVSU (Semi-Formal Attire); Coronation reception immediately following Coronation

Free and open to the public!

Reception Immediately following Ceremony

Ticket Price: SOLD OUT •Table Price: $500.00

R.W. Harrison HPER Complex - Gym Edna Horton Residence Hall - Parking Lot

H. G. Carpenter Building - Auditorium • Admission: FREE

Business Education Building - Auditorium

Campus Wide

W.A. Butts Social Science Building – Auditorium

Campus Wide

L.S. Rogers Building - Grass Lot

Jacob Aron Student Center - Grass Lot

William W. Sutton Administration Building - Plaza

Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center • Jacob Aron Student Center - Royal Room

H.G. Carpenter Building - Auditorium

Jacob Aron Student Center - Royal Room

Historic Elks Lodge • 102 W Washington Street, Greenwood, MS

SCHEDULE CONTINUES NEXT PAGE

the notion of what’s possible. The theme also calls attention to looking ahead to the future, and powering the creativity of next generation of HBCU students who excel on and off the field, in music education and other areas.“Honda Battle of the Bands is a celebration of these exceptional HBCU student musicians,” said Alexandra Warnier, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility & American Honda Foundation. “For 14 years, we’ve witnessed an epic display of passion and talent, and Honda is proud to support these students and HBCUs both on and off the field.”The 2017 Invitational Showcase will also feature the third annual Power of Dreams Award. Members of the HBCU community will have the opportunity to nominate an outstanding individual who is positively affecting the lives of others in the community. Honda will recognize the winner during the Invitational Showcase.Honda continues its commitment of over 25 years to the HBCU community, awarding nearly $12 million to support music and education initiatives primarily through the Honda Battle of the Bands and Honda Campus All- Star Challenge. Created in 2002 to honor and support the excellence of black college marching bands and the unique academic experience at HBCUs, HBOB continues to

infuse new and exciting elements, including last year’s first-ever drumline showcase reaching audiences worldwide. The 2016 Invitational Showcase drew over 63,000 spectators to the event while reaching fans from all 50 U.S. states and 40 countries, with #HBOB reaching the top five trending topics on Twitter. Watch the 2016 HBOB highlights on Facebook and join the social media conversation using #HBOB:Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBandsTwitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_HondaInstagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_hondaYouTube – 2016 Invitational Showcase HighlightsFor more information on Honda Battle of the Bands and to buy tickets to the Invitational Showcase, visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Teams consist of up to 10 members who must compete in three hour trials. Team members must learn affidavits and expert reports, and also analyze and use numerous pieces of evidence. A trial consists of opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments. Students must be skilled and focused to succeed.

The educator coach for the Mock Trial Team is Dr. Larry W. Chappell, pre-law advisor, professor of political science and coordinator of the pre-law/legal studies degree program. The attorney coach for the team is Neysha Sanders, Esq. Sanders is a member of Sanders and Sanders Law Firm. She also teaches courses in the Department of Social Sciences at MVSU.

The team was supported by a grant from the Leflore County Board of Supervisors. The program is sponsored by the Office of University Advancement, Academic Affairs and Department of Social Sciences.

Battle continued from page 1

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ANNUAL HOMECOMING GOLF CLASSIC

MVSU NAA GREEN & WHITE SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

CAMPUS PARADE

2016 HOMECOMING PARADE

MVSU NAA GENERAL BODY MEETING

MVSU NAA ALUMNI HOUSE MORTGAGE BURNING CEREMONY

DOUGLAS T. PORTER ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET

FOOTBALL GAME

MVSU ALUMNI DAY PARTY

HOMECOMING PARTY

HOMECOMING STEP SHOW

Individual Player: $200.00

Ticket Price: $50.00

Parade Marshall: 2016-2017 MVSU Women’s Basketball Team. Pep Rally immediately following Parade Student Pavilion Begins at the H.G. Carpenter Building - Parking Lot Ends at the Student Pavilion

Parade Marshalls: Coach Lafayette Stribling & the 1984 Men’s Basketball Team

Ticket Price: $50.00

Mississippi Valley State University “Delta Devils” vs. Grambling State University “Tigers”

Sponsored by: MCM Alumni

Admission Price: MVSU Students with Valid ID: FREE; $5 without

Sponsor: MVSU National Pan Hellenic Council Ticket Price: $10.00 in Advance/$15.00 @ the Door

Greenwood Country Club - Greenwood, MS

H.M. Ivy Cafeteria - Dining Hall IV

Downtown, Itta Bena, MS

11am • Alumni House - Itta Bena, MS

9:30 am • Business Education Building - Auditorium

H. M. Ivy Cafeteria - Dining Hall IV

Rice - Totten Stadium/Charles “Chuck” Prophet Field

The Alluvian Hotel • 318 Howard Street, Greenwood, MS

Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center - Gym

H.G. Carpenter Building - Auditorium

Joust continued from page 2

WELCOME ABOARD

Marsha BeltonCataloging Librarian

J.H.White Library

Sean AndersonResidential Director

Residential Life / Athletics

Zainul AbedinAssistant Professor

Mass Communication

Kishti KamakaAsst. Softball Coach

Athletics

William FullerAsst. ProfessorSocial Work

LaKysha McDanielSecretary/Data Manager

HEP

Robert McClungP.E. Instructor

HPER

Tracie MartinGeneral Serviceman

Facilities Management

Beatrice WilliamsPublic Service ClerkJ.H. White Library

Shunda MillerSecretary

Admissions & Recruitment

MVSU REOPENS HARRISON COMPLEX

MVSU held its ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly renovated R. W. Harrison Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Complex on Saturday, September 10. Pictured from left are Jessica Kern, head women’s basketball coach; Dianthia Ford Kee, director of athletics; Anjuan Brown, supervisor, Leflore County; William Set Harrison, grandson of R.W. Harrison; Dr. Gayle Harrison, daughter in law of R.W. Harrison; Dr. Robert W. Harrison, son of R.W. Harrison; Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., president; David Jordan, state senator; Thelma Collins, mayor, Itta Bena; Dr. Gloria Ross, department chair, HPER; Andre Payne, head men’s basketball coach.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am a native of Carrollton, Miss. I have a beautiful and active three year old daughter. I received my undergraduate and master’s degree from MVSU, both in business administration. I am honored to also be employed by my alma mater as Project Coordinator for the Office of Communications and Marketing.

How do you approach providing service?

I just try to always be sensitive to the needs of others. I feel that the best way to become successful is to help and provide service to others and encourage them to do the same. By giving of yourself, others

become eager to help as well. For me just the opportunity to provide something, whether it be inspiration or constructive criticism, it helps me feel fulfilled.

Where are we most likely to find you when you are not at work?

When I am not at work I am most likely to be found spending time with family and friends.

What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?

I am a big fan of sports but never played. I wanted to work with ESPN as an analyst. Just anything sports and media related, I wanted to do it.

Shanae CurryTwoMinuteswith... Project Coordinator

The Communiqué is published for faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of

Mississippi Valley State University by the Office of Communications

and Marketing

Editorial material should be sent to news@mvsu.edu or mailed to:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND MARKETINGMississippi Valley State UniversityMVSU 7233 • 14000 Hwy. 82 W.

Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400

For more information, call 662.254.3578news@mvsu.edu

Dameon ShawInterim Vice President for University Advancement

Maxine GreenleafDirector of Communications

and Marketing

John McCallSenior Graphic Designer

Joseph CottonAssociate Graphic Designer

Shanae CurryProject Coordinator

Dr. William B. Bynum Jr. President

Mississippi Valley State University complies with all applicable laws regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity in all its activities and programs and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or group affiliation, age, disability, handicap, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran.

@MississippiValley @MVSUDEVILS

New Hashtag: #GOMVSU